Here are 5 things I think really matter when looking for a personal trainer:
- Certifications & Knowledge
Make sure they’re legit! A good trainer should have proper certifications and actually understand fitness and nutrition—not just guess their way through it. - Experience in Your Goals
Whether you want to get stronger, lose weight, or recover from an injury, pick someone who’s helped others like you. If your goal is to get up on stage for a bodybuilding competition, find a trainer who has done it before. - Good Listener
A great trainer doesn’t just bark orders—they listen, communicate clearly, and make you feel like your goals are their goals. Good trainers can explain the “why” behind what you are doing. They are also able to push you in an empowering way, not intimidating. - Flexibility
Life happens. Maybe you’re running late, dealing with an injury, or hungover from last night’s Christmas party. A great trainer can adjust on the fly—whether that means tweaking a workout to suit your mood or modifying exercises to avoid pain. The best trainers meet you where you are and help you move forward from there. - Personality
This might be the most important one. You’ll spend a lot of time with your trainer, so find someone who motivates you and makes the process fun. The right trainer will make you want to show up, even on the days you’d rather stay in bed.
At the end of the day, the right trainer can make a huge difference, but here’s the truth: good trainers aren’t cheap, and cheap trainers aren’t good. Invest in yourself—you’re worth it.
-Caleb
